Hands-On Workshop for "Active Shooter" Situations
Last Spring’s tragic shooting incident at Virginia Tech and the recent violence at Delaware State caused college campuses across the country to reevaluate their preparedness status. After thorough review, the UC Davis Police Department found that we are well equipped and well trained to respond to a similar happening.
Last Spring’s tragic shooting incident at Virginia Tech and the recent violence at Delaware State caused college campuses across the country to reevaluate their preparedness status. After thorough review, the UC Davis Police Department found that we are well equipped and well trained to respond to a similar happening. To further increase the effectiveness of our service to our community, the Department made the decision to develop an educational “Active Shooter” presentation for other Campus groups. Specific training for such a threat will help all employees be better prepared to handle a violent situation, however unlikely.
UC Davis Police members created a 90 minute presentation focused on understanding an “active shooter” situation, as well as the appropriate responses from staff, faculty and campus police. The presentation is based in part on lessens learned from the Columbine incident, such as how civilians should try to think and act, as well as what they should expect from the police upon arrival and thereafter.
During the course, the instructor explains three key focus areas: The first is to ESCAPE! It is reinforced over and over again that one should always note where their avenues of escap are whether at work, the mall or other public place. Know your surroundings. If es-cape is not immediately possible, then the second imperative is to HIDE. Are there places for concealment within your office or on the floor your workplace? False ceiling? Under a sink? The third action is to take COVER. Get behind something, or several things, that would help stop or deflect a bullet. Above all, understand that the ultimate goal is to escape!
This is just a sample of the material presented discussed during the 90 minute session. UC Davis Police will continue to make the “Active Shooter” course available through the year for those who want to participate. Our goal is to also make a similar resource available to students.
UC Davis Police not only shared this critical information with several campus departments; they were also invited to present at the University and College Investigator's Association Conference in Fairfax, Virginia and the South Lake Tahoe School District.
If your department is interested in arranging an "Active Shooter" course for your workgroup, please contact Lieutenant Matt Carmichael at 530-752-5350 or at mecarmichael@ucdavis.edu.
UC Davis Police members created a 90 minute presentation focused on understanding an “active shooter” situation, as well as the appropriate responses from staff, faculty and campus police. The presentation is based in part on lessens learned from the Columbine incident, such as how civilians should try to think and act, as well as what they should expect from the police upon arrival and thereafter.
During the course, the instructor explains three key focus areas: The first is to ESCAPE! It is reinforced over and over again that one should always note where their avenues of escap are whether at work, the mall or other public place. Know your surroundings. If es-cape is not immediately possible, then the second imperative is to HIDE. Are there places for concealment within your office or on the floor your workplace? False ceiling? Under a sink? The third action is to take COVER. Get behind something, or several things, that would help stop or deflect a bullet. Above all, understand that the ultimate goal is to escape!
This is just a sample of the material presented discussed during the 90 minute session. UC Davis Police will continue to make the “Active Shooter” course available through the year for those who want to participate. Our goal is to also make a similar resource available to students.
UC Davis Police not only shared this critical information with several campus departments; they were also invited to present at the University and College Investigator's Association Conference in Fairfax, Virginia and the South Lake Tahoe School District.
If your department is interested in arranging an "Active Shooter" course for your workgroup, please contact Lieutenant Matt Carmichael at 530-752-5350 or at mecarmichael@ucdavis.edu.